Registered Nurses provide for the physical, mental and emotional needs of their patients. They are advocates and health educators for patients, families and communities and help people take proactive measures to ensure better health. When providing patient care, they observe, assess and record the symptoms, reactions and progress of their patients; assist doctors during treatments and examinations; administer medications; and help in convalescence and rehabilitation.

Nurses should be caring and empathetic. They must be able to accept responsibility, follow orders precisely, and determine when consultation is required. Threaded throughout this very difficult curriculum are the components of integrity, caring, work ethic, and self-discipline.

The overall purpose of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program is to assist the student in developing the intellectual and technical competencies necessary to function as a safe practitioner of nursing at the technical level. The ADN has the knowledge and skills to function as a beginning-level staff nurse in a variety of structured healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care agencies, physicians’ offices, and community agencies. Throughout the curriculum, the student has planned clinical and laboratory experiences to complement classroom learning in order to become skillful in the technology and application of nursing. Principles of oral communication are emphasized throughout the curriculum to prepare the graduate to function as a patient advocate, and in health prevention and promotion. There is also a focus on computer use and application in identified nursing courses. The curriculum options provide for the individual needs of the students in that a student may: (1) enter at the freshman level and graduate in two years with an associate degree in nursing, (2) receive advanced placement at appropriate levels, depending on previous education.

The ADN program has additional admissions criteria. Specific program information and admissions requirements is available in the Admissions Office. Students are enrolled in the nursing program in the fall. Due to demand, applicants are encouraged to apply early. Graduates of the Associate Degree Nursing program are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses.

OCtech’s ADN program is NLNAC accredited by the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), Inc., 61Broadway - 33rd Floor , New York, NY 10006. Telephone: 800-669-1656 ext. 153; 212-363-5555; FAX 212-812-0390; web site: www.nlnac.org

CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK
All direct caregivers must obtain a criminal record check as designated by clinical agencies. Persons convicted of or pled no contest to, including, but not limited to, child or adult abuse, sexual assault, assault with a deadly weapon, neglect, or mistreatment or misappropriation of property, are not permitted to work as direct caregivers. More stringent requirements are often enforced by individual clinical agencies. Students who have convictions as described above will not be allowed to attend clinical agencies. Clinical agencies reserve the right to deny privileges for convictions other than stated. Based on this information, students should be aware of the consequences of a positive criminal record check, which may include dismissal from the program. Students who are impacted by this constraint should consider career counseling.

NOTE: Students who have prior convictions of a crime (excluding minor traffic violations) and/or have had disciplinary action against his/her license may not be granted the privilege to write the State Board of Nursing Examination unless this matter is cleared with the Board. Those affected by this should contact the State Board of Nursing clarification. The Board of Nursing Interviews each applicant individually to determine eligibility.

DISCLAIMER: This information is subject to change as new directives are received.

An admission physical validating physical and mental health status necessary for the nursing profession, annual updates, CPR certification, a comprehensive first aid course, and a notarized copy of the student’s birth certificate are required. Out-of-town travel for selected clinical experiences will be required.

Latex Allergies
Health care providers with Latex sensitivity must be aware that latex sensitivity increases with each additional exposure and there will be exposure to latex in various forms in the lab and hospital environment. If you have latex allergies, it is recommended that you consult your Health care provider regarding this medical condition for assistance with your decision about whether pursuing a career in nursing is the appropriate choice for you considering this allergy.

Academic Standards
The student must earn an 80% competency or better in each of the required nursing courses and complete all nursing content courses within 36 months.

Readmission, Progression and Retention Policies
These policies differ from those of the College. They are published in the Associate Degree Nursing Program Student Handbook. Students may request a copy from the ADN Department.

Transfer
Acceptance of transfer nursing credits into the ADN curriculum will be at the discretion of the ADN faculty. Transfer students will adhere to the Retention and Promotion procedures of the department. Other courses transfer according to published college policy.

Articulation to BSN and Higher
There are many articulation opportunities available for ADN graduates. Interested students should make inquiries to the Nursing department of these colleges for transcript review.